This modern garden flows from an architecture office below the client’s home. It serves as the employee lunch spot by day, a view from above in the evenings, and a dog run at all times.

Our challenge in this small urban site was to create a calm and sophisticated destination to be enjoyed by humans and canines alike. The dogs have access to an easy-to-clean gravel run punctuated by boulders; on occasion they are invited to lounge in the lush green inner sanctum.

To visually minimize the dog run barrier we chose an informal 3’ living hedge of scented white Camellias. The overall planting scheme is loosely based on birch understory: foliage was selected for textural contrasts and medium greens with chartreuse accents; white flowers echo the striking birch trunks. Add to this a seasonal surprise of South African bulbs within the mow-free lawn, and you have yourself a sublime urban oasis.

Photography © Kelli Yon